Monterey: The 5 Things You Need To Know

1 - 1,000 Cars in 3 Days 

This year’s Monterey sees over 1,000 cars go under the hammer across the 13th to 15th August. That’s a very slight uptick on last year (1,016) but remains slightly below 2023 and 2024 figures.

2 - Values Going Up and Up 

Alongside a rise in volume, we’ve also seen a huge rise in value. Taking the mid-point of each estimate places the average value of each car offered at $1,070,000. That’s an almost 25% rise on average estimate values from 2025.

3 - But There’s a Shifting Focus 

Auction houses have been smart and focused their efforts consigning those cars that are in vogue this year. The number of 80s and 90s cars is up over 20% whilst the 1940s through to 1970s is down 20%.

Pre-war cars which for years have been the heart of Monterey have seen a surge in consignments this year with 28% more pre-1940s cars being offered than last year.

And the back is being turned on low value motors. This year we’ve seen over 50% fewer cars be offered at sub-$50k.

Meanwhile the top of the market, where so much of the strength has been in 2026, has followed through to the Monterey 2026 listings. Indeed, there are over 20% more cars being offered at over $1,000,000 than last year.

There’s also 20% more Ferraris being offered. Is this a sign that people are looking to cash out on the price rises the marque has enjoyed in 2026? Tread carefully, a major driver of price is supply, and there are plenty of Ferraris on offer…

4 - With Plenty of World Records On Offer 

There’s also plenty of world records on offer. A remarkable 122 cars are on offer at world record prices. 

What’s even more remarkable is if you look solely at the cars with estimates (so excluding Mecum), that means 20% of all cars offered with estimates are at world record prices…

5 - Although Scheduling Will Be An Issue 

In previous years, much of the feedback has been too many events, too many auctions, too much to do in one day.

That feedback will no doubt raise its head again this year.

Thursday sees Bonhams, Mecum, RM and Broad Arrow in action.

Friday sees RM, Mecum, Broad Arrow and Gooding in action.

Saturday sees RM, Mecum and Gooding in action.

There may well be a bargain or three hidden amongst the world records as collectors struggle to be in four places at once.

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